Jiu-Jitsu academy with your own gym

Local families and adult members who train regularly, plus visitors paying for drop-in classes or seminars.

Recurring monthly memberships, belt grading fees, private lessons, summer camps, seminars and gi and merchandise sales.

• Advanced jiu-jitsu skill and teaching experience
• Running a business and managing a budget
• Marketing to local families
• Leading and keeping instructors and members

• Lease commitments: negotiate terms carefully and consider having an attorney review it
• Check zoning and certificate of occupancy requirements for a gym or school use with your city or county
• General liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance once you hire staff
• Membership contracts and auto-billing rules vary by state; check your state's health club or gym laws
• Waivers and background checks for staff who work with children; check your state's requirements
• Slow early months while membership builds, so keep a cash cushion for rent

Startup costs are typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on your lease deposit and fit-out, the amount of matting, insurance and marketing. Your own figure will vary with the size and location of the unit.

Monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how many members you attract, your membership prices and any drop-in classes or seminars. Early months can be slow, so keep a cash cushion for rent.

Check your lease terms carefully, ideally with an attorney, and zoning and certificate of occupancy for gym or school use with your city or county. Also check liability and workers' compensation insurance, state membership contract and auto-billing laws, waivers, and background checks for staff working with children.